Bahrain issues gag order on alleged terror network coverage

Bahrain’s public prosecutor has imposed a gag order on news coverage of the alleged terror network plotting to undermine national security.

“Based on the requirements for discretion in order to reach facts and in line with Bahrain’s public order, Ali Al Buainain, the public prosecutor, has issued a gag order on publishing, through print, audio, video and online media, news or details on the case of the terror network,” a public prosecution source said. “No details or hints about the investigations should be published and violators of the gag will be imprisoned for up to one year or fined. The only exception is the statements issued by the public prosecutor.”

The gag, issued on Thursday evening, coincided with the beginning of the questioning of Abdul Jalil Al Singace, the spokesman for Haq Movement, over a clandestine network allegedly seeking to undermine Bahrain’s stability and security.

Al Singace’s arrest on August 13 upon his return from London and subsequent detention of other Haq supporters intensified clashes between rioters and security forces.